UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 95 of 100

UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Biodiversity Laws Central Acts

With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts:

1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947

2. Mining and Mineral development (Regulation) Act, 1957

3. Customs Act, 1962

4. Indian Forest Act, 1927

Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country?

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  4. None of the above Acts
Show answer

Answer: C. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Verdict

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3 and 4

Analysis

Biodiversity conservation is supported not only by direct environmental laws, but also by laws regulating trade, customs, forests and mining activities.

Statement by statement

1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947 — Correct

This law allowed the government to regulate import and export of goods.

Such control is relevant for biodiversity because trade in wildlife, plants, forest produce and invasive species can affect conservation.

2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957 — Correct

Mining can destroy forests, habitats and ecosystems.

Regulation of mining activities therefore has a direct bearing on biodiversity conservation, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.

3. Customs Act, 1962 — Correct

The Customs Act helps check illegal trade and smuggling of wildlife products, plants and endangered species.

It supports enforcement of restrictions on international wildlife trade.

4. Indian Forest Act, 1927 — Correct

This Act provides for the classification and management of forests.

Since forests are major habitats for biodiversity, forest regulation directly contributes to conservation.

Extra UPSC info

* The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 is India’s specific law for biodiversity conservation.

* It created the National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Boards and Biodiversity Management Committees.

* Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 directly protects wild animals, birds and plants.

* Forest Conservation Act, 1980 restricts diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.

* Environment Protection Act, 1986 is an umbrella law for environmental regulation.

* CITES regulates international trade in endangered species.

How to crack it

All four Acts have a bearing on biodiversity conservation because they regulate trade, forests, mining and cross-border movement of biological resources.

More questions on Environmental Laws, Conventions and Policies

All 21 questions on Environmental Laws, Conventions and Policies →

← Full 2011 question paper · All Environment and Ecology questions